Pollutant Information: Tin

About Tin

Category: Heavy metals and base cations

Heavy or prolonged exposure to tin oxide may cause a disease of the lungs called stannosis. Estimates of emissions have only been included since 2000 and the figures remain very uncertain. Emission factors have been calculated for the combustion of coal and petroleum-based fuels, but data are not available for other potential sources such as some industrial processes. Between 2001 and 2004, emissions declined significantly, largely due to changes in fuel consumption. In 2005, emissions then returned to similar levels as in 2000. Between 2009 and 2012 emissions increased due to increasing use of petroleum coke by industry, but have begun to decrease from 2012. Emissions in 2015 were dominated by those from the petroleum refining sector (51%).